CANNABIS POLICY SHOCKER: Commercialisation Spikes Usage and Mental Health Woes

Decriminalising cannabis? No big deal. But open up a commercial market, and watch the numbers soar. A new international study reveals that while decriminalisation or strict regulation doesn’t seem to budge usage rates, commercial sales are a different story. Researchers found more users, higher potency, and a spike in mental health issues like psychosis in places with commercial cannabis markets, such as parts of the US and Canada. In contrast, countries that have decriminalised cannabis without opening it up to big business saw little change in usage or related health problems. Uruguay, where the state tightly controls the market, also reported stable numbers. Professor Tom Freeman from the University of Bath, who led the study, says these early findings are crucial for policymakers considering changes: 'When there’s a profit motive, the industry pushes cheaper and stronger products to boost sales, leading to more harm.' In the UK, cannabis remains a Class B drug with severe penalties. Last year, a London Drugs Commission report called for decriminalisation, highlighting racial disparities in enforcement. Sir Robin Murray from King’s College London warns that North America's legalisation has been followed by aggressive commercialisation: 'It’s early days, but the power of the cannabis industry is clear.' Professor Alex Stevens from the University of Sheffield adds that restricted models and decriminalisation don’t necessarily lead to increased usage, contradicting common fears.